Hidden Places in Your Home You’re Probably Forgetting to Clean

Are you confident that your home is really clean? You might be surprised to know that there are hidden places in your home that you’re probably forgetting to clean. These overlooked areas can harbor dust, dirt, and even bacteria, making your home less hygienic than you think. In this article, we will reveal 12 such hidden places that you should pay attention to during your cleaning routine.

From the top of your kitchen cabinets to the inside of your dishwasher, we will guide you through the nooks and crannies that often go unnoticed. We’ll provide expert tips on how to effectively clean these areas and keep them maintained in the long run. Don’t let these hidden spots be a breeding ground for allergens or unsightly grime—take charge and make sure your home is spick and span from top to bottom. Get ready to clean those forgotten corners and transform your living space into a healthier and more inviting environment.

Importance of Deep Cleaning Your Home

Keeping your home clean goes beyond just the visible surfaces. Deep cleaning is essential to eliminate hidden dirt, dust, and germs that can accumulate in those often-forgotten areas. By incorporating regular deep cleaning into your routine, you can maintain a healthier home environment for you and your family. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the hidden places you might be forgetting to clean and how to tackle them effectively.

Kitchen

1. Top of Kitchen Cabinets: The top of your kitchen cabinets is often neglected, but it accumulates a significant amount of dust and grease over time. To clean this area, start by removing any items on top of the cabinets. Use a duster or a microfiber cloth to wipe away the dust, and follow up with a mild detergent solution to remove grease stains.

2. Underneath the Sink: The area underneath your kitchen sink can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew due to moisture and food residue. Start by removing all items from the cabinet. Wipe down the interior with a mixture of water and vinegar to kill any bacteria or mold spores. Allow it to dry completely before returning the items.

3. Inside the Dishwasher: Even though the dishwasher is designed to clean your dishes, it also requires cleaning itself. Over time, food particles, soap scum, and mineral deposits can build up inside the dishwasher, affecting its efficiency. To clean the dishwasher, remove any debris from the filter and spray the arms. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to eliminate any buildup.

Bathroom

1. Showerhead: A clogged showerhead can lead to poor water pressure and mineral buildup. To clean it, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Let it soak for a few hours, then remove the bag and scrub the showerhead with a brush to remove any remaining deposits.

2. Grout Lines: Grout lines between tiles can accumulate dirt, mold, and mildew. To clean them, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the grout lines and scrub with a toothbrush or a grout brush. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

3. Exhaust Fan: The exhaust fan in your bathroom helps remove moisture and odors, but it can also collect dust and debris. Turn off the power to the fan and remove the cover. Clean the blades, motor, and housing with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. Wipe the cover with a damp cloth before reattaching it.

4. Toilet Bowl: When we think of a clean toilet we only think of the visible areas. The back of the toilet needs attention as well. Dust and dirt often accumulate in the corners behind the toilet and can be a safe haven for all sorts of bacteria.

Bedroom

1. Mattress: Your mattress is a haven for dust mites, dead skin cells, and allergens. To clean it, start by vacuuming the surface to remove loose debris. Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and let it sit for a few hours to absorb odors. Vacuum again to remove the baking soda. If there are any stains, spot-clean them using a mixture of mild detergent and water.
2. Pillows: Pillows can also harbor dust mites and allergens. Check the care label on your pillows for specific cleaning instructions. Most pillows can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Add a small amount of mild detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the soap is removed. Dry the pillows thoroughly before putting them back on your bed.
3. Under the Bed: The area under your bed is often overlooked, but it can accumulate dust and clutter. Start by removing any items stored under the bed. Vacuum the floor and wipe down any surfaces with a damp cloth. Consider using storage containers to keep the area organized and prevent dust from settling.

Living Room

1. Behind Furniture: Dust and dirt can accumulate behind your furniture, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Move the furniture away from the walls and vacuum or sweep the floor. Use a duster or a microfiber cloth to wipe down the back of the furniture and any other surfaces that may have collected dust.
2. Electronics: Your TV, gaming console, and other electronic devices can collect dust and smudges. Start by turning off and unplugging the devices. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surfaces. For stubborn stains, dampen the cloth with water or a mild electronic cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the electronics.
3. Curtains and Blinds: Curtains and blinds can accumulate dust, pet dander, and allergens. Follow the care instructions for your specific window treatments. Most curtains can be machine-washed or hand washed, while blinds can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before hanging them back up.

Dining Room

1. Tablecloth and Placemats: Tablecloths and placemats can harbor food stains, spills, and bacteria. Check the care instructions for your specific table linens. Most can be washed with a mild detergent. Treat any stains with a stain remover before washing.
2. Chair Upholstery: Dining chairs with fabric upholstery can accumulate crumbs and spills. Vacuum the upholstery to remove loose debris. Spot-clean any stains with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Allow the upholstery to dry completely before using the chairs again.
3. Chandelier: Chandeliers can collect dust and cobwebs over time. Turn off the power to the chandelier and allow it to cool before cleaning. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to gently wipe down each part. For crystal chandeliers, use a crystal cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar.

Home Office

1. Keyboard: Keyboards can harbor bacteria, crumbs, and dust. Start by turning off and unplugging your computer. Use a can of compressed air to blow away any loose debris from between the keys. Wipe down the keys and the surrounding areas with a disinfectant wipe or a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.
2. Desk Drawers: Desk drawers can become a catch-all for clutter and dust. Empty each drawer and sort through the items, discarding anything you no longer need. Wipe down the interior of the drawers with a damp cloth. Consider using drawer organizers to keep the contents organized and easily accessible.
3. Computer Monitor: Dust and smudges can accumulate on your computer monitor, affecting visibility. Start by turning off and unplugging the monitor. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen in a circular motion. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the screen.

Laundry Room

1. Lint Trap: The lint trap in your dryer can become clogged with lint, affecting its efficiency and posing a fire hazard. After each load of laundry, remove the lint from the trap. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment or a lint brush to clean any remaining lint from the trap and the surrounding area.
2. Washing Machine Drum: Over time, your washing machine drum can accumulate residue from detergent and fabric softener. To clean it, run a cycle with hot water and no laundry. Add a cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to remove any buildup. Wipe down the drum and other surfaces with a damp cloth.
3. Utility Sink: The utility sink in your laundry room can become dirty and stained. Start by removing any items from the sink. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of water and baking soda to clean the sink. Scrub with a brush or a sponge, paying attention to any stains. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

Closets and Storage Spaces

1. Shoe Rack: Shoe racks can accumulate dirt, dust, and even mold if shoes are damp when stored. Remove all shoes from the rack and wipe them down with a damp cloth. Allow it to dry completely before returning the shoes. Consider using shoe inserts or shoe bags to keep the shoes organized and protected.
2. Hanging Clothes: Dust can settle on hanging clothes, especially if they are rarely worn. Take each item off the hangers and shake them outside to remove loose debris. If the clothes are washable, consider running them through a gentle cycle to freshen them up. For non-washable items, use a fabric freshener spray.
3. Storage Boxes: Storage boxes can accumulate dust and become disorganized over time. Empty each box and sort through the items, discarding anything you no longer need. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the boxes with a damp cloth. Consider using labels or clear bins to easily identify the contents.

Conclusion

Cleaning your home goes beyond the surface level. By paying attention to these hidden places, you can maintain a cleaner and healthier living environment. Incorporate these areas into your regular cleaning routine to ensure that your home is truly spick and span. Don’t let the hidden spots become breeding grounds for dirt, bacteria, and allergens. Take charge and transform your living space into a healthier and more inviting environment. Enjoy your really clean home!